Redcloud Outdoor Education (Fall 2013)

To me, film is far more than entertainment, it’s an opportunity to convey a personal message, a powerful message. This is far more than a compilation of clips summarizing our fall season here at Redcloud. It’s a personal letter to all of the staff, from me. I wanna briefly point out a few things about this video so it will hopefully mean a little bit more to everyone:

- First, the video starts out cropped into a small box. This might seem like just a random decision, but think about it like this, we are not a large group of people, we are dramatically out numbered 85% of the time, however, the most incredible things in life start out small. Believe me when say this, it’s a big world out there, and as small as we are in comparison, we are changing the world in massive ways.

- The next element I wanna bring up is the fact that I included a personal shot of every seasonal staff member holding a sign with their name, nickname, and position. I wanted this to be a reminder that all of you have a unique identity in Christ, He calls you by name, just like y’all did with each of your campers, and just like I’m doing in this video. You are all so incredibly special to me, and never forget, God loves you so much, He knows you, and calls you by name.

- Now, to mention a few things about the song I selected. “Farther Along,” here’s some lyrics, “Farther along we'll know all about it. Farther along we'll understand why. So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine. We'll understand this, all by and by.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve scratched head and wondered if I was getting through to these kids. Am I really making a difference, I’m sure y’all have thought these things before. God never promised we would reap the fruits of our labor, but I firmly believe “Farther along we'll understand why.” Here’s another line, “Still I get hard pressed on every side. Between the rock and a compromise. Like the truth and pack of lies fightin' for my soul. And I've got no place left go. 'Cause I got changed by what I've been shown. More glory than the world has known. Keeps me ramblin' on.” The devil is constantly throwing lies at us, and the truth is, we are doing incredible things here to promote Christ’s kingdom, and after hearing everyone’s testimony, we have all seen God do outstanding things, and I think that’s so awesome, as the song says, “it keeps us ramblin’ on” about what Christ has done for us.

- A message to the full-time staff. Y’all have completely changed my life, and I will forever look back at my time here at Redcloud as a fantastic dream, the kind that you reluctantly wake up from. That’s why I decided to make y’all’s segment of the video brighter and less saturated, basically, it makes things look almost dream like. Another reason why I picked a song that includes the lyrics, “Been dreaming of this since a child, I’m on top of the world.” I love all of you so much, and I respect all of you more than words can describe. I included a Bible verse (Psalm 121:1-2) in the video that I hope brings all of you encouragement and hope about the next step, I know there are countless questions about the future, but never forget this, God will bring about His will for you. The closing shot of this segment is a flickering fire, and as cheesy as this sound, know that the fire y’all have sparked in the mountains of Colorado, is spreading across the world. To quote Matthew, “Well done, good and faithful servants.”